

Lilly
OtherMy Favorite Discussions
-
All Discussions
-
GCA Forums News: National Headline Overview – Friday, April 25, 2025
Market Crisis: Dip in Dow Jones and Financial Markets Further
As of April 25, 2025, the Dow Jones Industrial Average registered a more than 259-point loss. In turn, this caused a panic in the overall financial market. The S&P 500 also experienced a 1.2% dip, while the Nasdaq had a 1.5 % decrease. Posts on X highlight that the core reason for this anxiety stems from Trump’s ongoing bashing session with Powell, especially regarding interest rate cuts. The dollar reserve index also indicated the current electric volatility of the market as it steered towards its 15-month low while the US presidential yield for a decade hit 10 years, and bonds rose slightly to 4.1 percent. The uncertainty surrounding the fundamentals resulted in powerful guard assets predicting an increase, causing the price of gold to set an unrivaled record at $3,500 per ounce.
Causes for the Market Decrease
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is losing credibility and respect from many industry experts, monetary analysts, and the public in general. He thinks that the Fed is doing a great job in maintaining market stability, which it is not. Jobs are getting reduced, the housing and mortgage markets are in shambles, unemployment is skyrocketing, bankruptcy and foreclosure rates are hitting all-time highs, and the housing inventory is escalating to alarming territory. Not too long ago, making a six-figure income was considered high income. Not anymore. People with a six-figure income live paycheck to paycheck and cannot afford a house.
The main catalyst also seems to be Trump’s renewed verbal attacks on Powell, accusing him of “undermining the economy,” claiming it is due to the higher interest rates being maintained. This Trump rhetoric raised concerns about possible interference with the Federal Reserve’s independence. This worry has spread throughout the financial media. Moreover, Trump’s speculation about re-implementing tariffs has been troubling to the markets, concerned with the possibility of inflation and trading conflicts. All these interrelated elements have resulted in a nervous Wall Street, with technology and consumer services taking the biggest hit.
Trump vs. Powell: Interest Rates, The Federal Reserve, And Economic Strife
President Trump has escalated his critique of Jerome Powell, claiming that the Fed Chairman is holding back economic growth by refusing to cut interest rates. Powell defended the Fed’s position, saying balancing inflation control and stability was necessary. The current federal funds rate has remained at 4.5 – 4.75% since late 2024 as the Fed looks at inflation and employment data. Trump has floated the idea of removing Powell from his post, though no steps have been taken toward doing so. Suggestions for eliminating the Federal Reserve Board have been made on platform X. Still, no reasonable evidence underlines that this is a focus for lawmakers. Such a decision would require congressional endorsement and become mired in complex legal and economic considerations. It seems to be unreasonable noise and not a concrete proposition.
Will Powell Face the Axe?
While Trump can use a cause to fire Powell from his position as Fed Chair, it would be unprecedented for him to do so and would most likely result in a market backlash. Legal experts note that ’cause’ is narrowly defined, and policy disagreements may not qualify. Powell’s term as Chair extends to May 2026, and he fully intends to serve without resigning. The Fed continues to operate independently and will hold mid-2025 meetings to evaluate the CPI and GDP data for possible rate changes.
Economic Indicators: CPI, GDP, and Unemployment
CPI: Inflation pulled back slightly to 3.1% year-over-year in March 2025, down from 3.3% in February but still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Energy and housing costs continue to stifle the recovery.
GDP: Q1 2025 GDP growth is estimated at 2.4% annualized, a slowdown from 2.8% in Q4 2024. This suggests sluggish consumer spending and trade uncertainty.
Unemployment: The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.8% in March 2025, which is still considered near a historical low. Although job creation slowed to 150,000 new jobs, below estimates, wage growth is still fairly low at 4.1% year over year.
The economy seems cautious yet robust from these metrics as the Fed struggles to control inflation while managing growth-related concerns. As Trump suggests, lower rates could help the real estate and manufacturing sectors, but they can also lead to a surge in inflation.
Real Estate and Housing Market
The housing market continues to be undermined by demand due to high mortgage rates and low availability of homes. The 30-year fixed mortgage climbed to 6.9% as of April 25, 2025, increasing from March’s 6.7% due to the heightened treasury yields. Subsequently, housing inventory improved slightly, with a supply of 3.2 months (an increase from 3.0 months in Q4 2024). However, it is still less than the 5-6 months range that would signal equilibrium within the market. Demand, most notably from first-time buyers, is declining due to worsened affordability. New home construction declined by 8% year-on-year, signaling builder pessimism regarding high financing costs.
Commercial and Residential Mortgage Lending
Residential Lending: Strict lending criteria coupled with high rates have led to a reduction of 12% in mortgage applications compared to Q1 2024. As homeowners who hold sub-4% interest rates from 2020 and 2021, refinancing activity remains stagnant due to new loan aversion.
**Commercial Lending:** The commercial real estate sector is struggling, with office and retail spaces facing 18% and 10% vacancy rates. Lending supports multifamily and industrial properties, with growing demand for apartments and warehouses. Deal volume also slowed down by 15% year over year due to increasing rates and higher borrowing costs.
Business funding remains strong for the tech and renewable energy sectors, but small businesses face stricter credit availability. Approval ratings for loans at community banks fell to 60%, down from 65% in 2024.
**Trump’s Tariffs and Trade Policy**
Potential initiatives boosting manufacturing by reinstating tariffs are likely, with an estimated 10-20% proposed on some goods from the EU and China. Although the numbers are more favorable than the 25-60% proposed during the campaign, the restrictions could still wreak havoc on the US domestic supply of goods. Prices would increase for consumers, and certain industries, like automotive and electronics, would face 5-10% hikes in furnace components. Sentiment across X is heavily mixed, from protective job creation advocates to inflation fearmongers.
Car Industry Overview:
The automotive industry faces headwinds from rising interest rates and trade uncertainties. Cars and SUVs: New car sales dipped by 3 percent yearly, while the average price is $48,000. Buyers are restricted due to high financing costs (the average auto loan rate is 7.5%); nevertheless, sales of electric vehicles (EVs) increased by 8 percent due to tax breaks.
Exotic Cars: The luxury sector continues to thrive, sustaining sales of Ferrari and Lamborghini, while the auction value of their collectible models surged by 5 percent in Q1 2025.
Trucks and Commercial Vehicles: A 4 percent drop in pickup truck sales—a cornerstone of the US market—was attributed to expensive prices and high interest rates. Fleet sales for commercial vans and trucks rose by 2 percent, bolstered by demand from the logistics and construction sectors.
Motorcycles: With affordability issues hitting novice riders, motorcycle sales decreased by 6 percent. However, premium brands like Harley-Davidson experienced steady sales.
Fleet Sales: Corporate fleet acquisitions rose by 3 percent, with rental car and delivery services leading the surge. However, rising expenses forced some companies to pause upgrades.
Unresolved trade conflicts and anticipated tariffs can especially affect the production costs of vehicles that use more imported components.
Pam Bond, Government Efficiency, and Legal Controversies
US Attorney Bondi, tasked with the DOJ’s fraud and corruption endeavors, has been critiqued by certain factions of the Republican party, along with Trump supporters, for not adjudicating high-profile cases more aggressively. Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE, presided over by Elon Musk, has reported evidence of fraud and bureaucratic waste concerning federal contracts and other crimes, like misappropriating federal funds. In any case, the lack of major high-profile arrests or indictments deals a frustration fueled by Trump’s base.
Why Not Prosecute?
Legal Procedure:
Legal action involving these complex puzzle pieces referencing “deep state” or Russian collusion requires a mountain of supporting evidence and tangible proof, which often meets high legal hurdles. DOGE’s findings appear preliminary, too, and thus lack the constituent elements needed for probable cause.
Strategic Focus:
Systemic betterment of these issues may take precedence over eye-grabbing showcases, leaving the primary effort as dismantling inefficient programs aimed at individuals devoid of damning evidence.
Without Offense:
Bondi’s presence on Fox News, often as a commentator on DOJ work, draws sharp mockery as Bondi is expected to focus on clemency in court advocacy. However, defenders consider advocacy transparency.
Is Bondi On The Way Out?
No information suggests Bondi is under the threat of being replaced. Her alignment, where she defended Trump and helped the DOJ’s witch hunts, enfolds her critical role. Nevertheless, a continued lack of “high-profile” prosecutions may lose some support among Trump’s base, which is already evident from the accusatory comments on X Criticism. The Inaction on Alzheimer’s disease collusion, or “deep state” speculation, remains unfounded. Without public evidence of crimes, active means are not available.
Sanctuary Cities: Chicago And Illinois
Both Democratic Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois’ Democratic Governor JB Pritzker also face the heat about these talks. The refusal of Pritzker to remove Chicago as a sanctuary city under Johnson has burdened city finances, resulting in a deficit of more than four hundred million dollars as a result of providing services to migrants since 2022. The deficit has angered the public, especially Black and Latino groups, with protests erupting due to Sanchez’s decision. Protesters instructed by Johnson aimed at the Trump administration for federal relief. However, the Trump administration has threatened sanctuary funds-issuing regions with funding cuts.
Despite backlash from rural and suburban voters, Pritzker defended Illinois’s sanctuary policies by emphasizing humanitarian obligations. Wart waged Schreier’s estimates reveal that the state’s budget deficit is forecasted to reach $3.2 billion for FY2026, exacerbating the funding flow for migrant programs. Both leaders grapple with suspending progressive ideals to fiscal realities while navigating the tension using X posts that display varying sentiments toward their leadership.
Business & Market Outlook
Overall Market
In international markets, the euro and yen gained against the dollar, alongside a 2% slump in small-cap stocks (Russell 2000) and a 1.8% slump in Europe’s STOXX 600, which caused the DXY to lose strength.
Business Funding
The healthcare and tech sectors are still getting attention from private equity teams. Venture capital investment dropped due to deployment of $40 billion in Q1 2025, which is 10% lower than in Q1 2024.
Precious Metals
Silver remains linked to gold’s performance as it wages the rally. At the same time, platinum and palladium continue to wrestle with slow, modest gains, sparking silver to rise 3% to $33.31 per ounce.
Though the business climate is cautious, it’s not pessimistic. The healthcare and energy sectors are storming through the higher rates, but Trump continues to weigh down sentiment with his unpredictable policies regarding tariffs, the Fed, and interest rates.
The national news on April 25, 2025, presents a snapshot of economic and political turmoil. Trump’s scuffle with Powell and his tariff threats have driven markets. As a result, the Dow and other indices have tanked. Real estate suffers from Herculean rates paired with abysmally low inventory, and the automotive industry faces a perfect storm of impractical trade policies and affordability. Bondi’s DOJ remains under scrutiny to deliver on fraud prosecutions, but legal and strategy hurdles slow progress. Sanctuary cities such as Chicago deal with immigration and budget problems. For GCA Forums News viewers, members, and sponsors, attention and precaution are the best options to deal with the changeable aspects of politics and the economy.
-
Jeremy Dewitte is a cop wannabe police impersonator
Jeremy Dewitte has gotten arrested for impersonating police officers since he was 17 years old. Since Jeremy Dewitte is not hireable as a POST certified law enforcement officer in any state of the nation, Jeremy Dewitte opened a funeral escort service company in the state of Florida. In his fleet of vehicles for funeral escort services, Jeremy Dewitte has vehicles that resemble law enforcement vehicles such as dressing up Ford Crown Vics, Ford Explorer SUVs and motorcycle with police look alike stripes,badges, and emergency flashing lights and sirens. Check out this video
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/PVYpy8obKqn6cb19/?mibextid=21zICX
-
This discussion was modified 1 year ago by
Gustan Cho. Reason: Spelling error
-
This discussion was modified 10 months, 3 weeks ago by
Sapna Sharma.
facebook.com
Serial Police Impersonator Arrested by Real Police (Part One) #criminals #cops #police #chasing
-
This discussion was modified 1 year ago by
-
Beautiful German shepherd dog. Long hair German Shepherd dog looks like Chase.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/rxGtRR78wohmkct7/?mibextid=D5vuiz
facebook.com
I love you 😍 #dog #reels #puppyeyes | Kaos & Mayhem | Kaos & Mayhem · Original audio
I love you 😍 #dog #reels #puppyeyes. Kaos & Mayhem · Original audio
-
Many mortgage loan originators belong to a team or group where they can veer off on their own with their own mortgage brokerage or a mortgage net branch of a larger national mortgage brokerage or mortgage lender. The mortgage net branch can operate as a DBA (Doing Business As), the mortgage group’s brand name. The business is run on a P&L model, and the branch manager is in charge of all the outgoing expenses. The goal is to have a positive P and L to generate profit. Can someone experienced with how to start a mortgage net branch please go over the list of expenses? Even a small office can run a mortgage branch in the red if not managed correctly.
-
This is more of a legal question for a paralegal or attorney. Can a credit card company lower a consumer credit card limit when the consumer has been a loyal customer for three years, never been late, was a victim of credit card fraud but yet paid the minimum credit card monthly interest payments after an internal fraud credit dispute was ruled in favor of the merchant, and paid the fraudulent charges in full while preparing to file changes and lawsuit? If you can respond to facts, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all.
-
This 9 month old German Shepherd puppy will not sleep good night. 😴 but does not know it yet.
-
This discussion was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by
Sapna Sharma.
-
This discussion was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by
-
I want to start learning about skiing. but don’t know how do I start . Please help me so i cma learn fast
-
-
Are you in a spot where you have to make some important financial decisions concerning your home? Is it better to do a big remodeling of your home before you put it on the market and increase the asking price or just leave it as is and ask for a lower price?
-
The price of houses in Miami has been increasing rapidly, some are priced higher than prehousing market crashes a few years back. Should a buyer wait a little longer to see where this trend is heading?
-
About time
Home prices in Chicago South Loop are plummeting. Sellers are lowering prices and offering incentives. This correction is continuing throughout the city and Suburbs. Expect the downturn to continue in Chicago and other cities. Stay tuned
-
What are the latest Google algorithm changes and how will it affect website organic traffic?
-
Listen to this overly obese Rhino blasting President Donald Trump and lying like a rug. I think Orca is fuller with grease and lard more than Illinois JB Prtitzer. I used to like this Fatso from New Jersey.
🤯🤣
-
-
-
-
Analyst’s forecast for homebuyers for 2024 is not good. Real Estate media giant ZILLOW NEWS forecasts home prices will keep increasing into 2024 despite skyrocketing Mortgage Rates. ZILLOW estimates a 4.9% increase in home prices from August 2023 to August 2024 due to short housing inventory. There’s a shortage of homes Nationally and many first time homebuyers are getting priced out of the housing market. Many homebuyers are finding it more difficult coming up with the down payment of a home purchase.
-
This discussion was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by
Sapna Sharma.
biggerpockets.com
Zillow Predicts a 4.9% Rise in Home Prices by Next August—Is That Possible?
Zillow is really bullish on housing, but are they right? How much are they projecting prices to grow? And who's in disagreement?
-
This discussion was modified 1 year, 6 months ago by
-
Is Kamala Harris the best candidate The Democrats have to face former President Donald Trump for 2024 Presidential Election? Are the Democrats that desperate of having a semi-descent candidate for President? Do Democrats think the American people are that stupid? Do Democrats need to name Kamala Harris, the person who slept her way up the political latter? Kamala Harris slept with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown to kick off her political career. Kamala Harris is not too smart. Many people cannot believe how she even became a lawyer let alone District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, United States Senator, and Vice President of the United States. Now she is running for President? OMG. What has Kamala Harris ever achieved in her political career. Watch this video clip about Kamala Harris.
https://www.youtube.com/live/RcsRfo16ZC8?si=gFA0rsAlw8iu0KLU
-
Can you please explain in detail what is the NAR Settlement for 2024? How will the NAR Settlement affect realtors? What is the ruling against the National Realtors Association? Who is going to benefit and receive money from the NAR settlement? Walk me Through August 17th, Buyers Now Pay Their Realtor’s Commissions. I started reading more into the August 17th 2024 date where suddenly homebuyers now pay the buyer real estate agent. Home sellers are only responsible to pay their seller real estate agent. As someone who plans to be both a seller and a buyer sometime in the near future, I am interested in both sides of this. This is really complicated and many real estate agents think they will be out of business. Maybe there are no real answers yet, but I want to hear other’s thoughts.
https://youtu.be/QKItI0C3K6M?si=X5fPAt7i4sEd783H
-
This discussion was modified 8 months, 1 week ago by
Lilly.
-
This discussion was modified 8 months, 1 week ago by
Gustan Cho.
-
This discussion was modified 8 months, 1 week ago by
-
-
-
Like to introduce you to one of the owners of Bari Beef headquartered in Elgin Illinois. Nick Favia is one of the owners of Bari Beef, the best Italian Beef in the country. I have sent Italian Beef from Bari Beef to my CEO Mike Kortas and President Mat Grella multi times and they love it. CEO KORTAS would have fired my ass if I sent shifty Beef. I sent Bari Beef to all our senior advisors at NEXA MORTGAGE and they all love it. I want to thank everyone at Corporate NEXA Mortgage especially Taylor Bradley, Aes, Kristi Wake, Rana Mortensen, Mat Grella, Miriam Montojo, Mrs. Edna Kortas, Mike Neill, and the the ultimate CEO Mike Kortas for everything they do for me and my team. Like to thank Counselor Wendy Lahn ESQ and Mr. Nick Favia for the great Bari Beef 👍.
-
To Jill Biden, even at the cost of her husband Joe Biden making a total fool of himself around the the Globe, she’s pushing Joe to run for President of the United States. This is self fish, not right, inhumane, and right down evil. Jill Biden is an exact replica of Edith Wilson, First Lady and wife of President Woodrow Wilson who had a stroke in the White House 🏠. Jill Biden’s actions are despicable and outright wrong. Jill Biden is becoming very unlikeable among both parties Democrats and Republicans. Jill Biden has political aspirations of her own to become a United States Senator 🇺🇸 and is using her political goals and power hunger at the expense of her husband Joe Biden who is obviously suffering from late stage stage 6 dementia.
-
It is no secret Joe Scarborough is Joe and Jill Biden’s number one ass kisser. Joe Scarborough has brought five star coverage of Joe Biden and unanimously crowned 👑 himself Joe Biden’s number one ass kissing freak show. Scarborough is thought about as the World’s biggest idiot and nobody respects him nor his show. He seems he’s more mentally ill than Joe Biden and is in the state of denial about how bad the economy is under Joe Biden’s watch. However, after Thursday’s Presidential debate with former President Donald Trump, the Biden Ass Kissing Freak Joe Scarborough 😜 seems he’s calling it TRUCE. Watch this video clip.
-
Joe Biden makes a speech Friday September 22nd, 2023 that the nation is making progress on gun violence under the Biden Administration. He claims that under his watch, gun control and gun violence drastically decreased and that he’s the Crime Czar. Attached is a clip of his speech.
-
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a type of revolving credit that allows homeowners to borrow money against the equity they have built up in their homes. Here’s how it works:
-
Equity: Equity is the difference between the current market value of your home and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. For example, if your home is worth $300,000 and you owe $200,000 on your mortgage, you have $100,000 in equity.
-
Access to Funds: With a HELOC, you can access a line of credit that is secured by the equity in your home. The lender determines the maximum amount you can borrow, which is typically a percentage of your home’s appraised value minus the balance owed on your mortgage. You can borrow from the HELOC as needed, up to the maximum limit, and you only pay interest on the amount you’ve borrowed.
-
Revolving Credit: A HELOC works like a credit card in that it’s a revolving line of credit. You can borrow, repay, and borrow again as long as you stay within the credit limit and during the “draw period” specified in the loan terms, usually 5-10 years.
-
Interest Rates: HELOCs typically have variable interest rates, which means the interest rate can fluctuate over time based on market conditions. Some HELOCs offer a fixed-rate option for a portion of the borrowed amount.
-
Repayment: During the draw period, you generally make interest-only payments on the amount you’ve borrowed. After the draw period ends, you enter the repayment period, during which you’ll need to repay both the principal and interest, often over 10-20 years.
-
Tax Deductions: In many cases, the interest paid on a HELOC may be tax-deductible if the funds are used for qualifying home improvement projects. However, tax laws regarding HELOCs can change, so it’s essential to consult with a tax advisor for the most up-to-date information.
-
Risk: It’s important to remember that a HELOC is secured by your home. If you’re unable to make payments, you could risk losing your home through foreclosure.
HELOCs can be a useful financial tool for homeowners who need access to funds for various purposes, such as home improvements, debt consolidation, education expenses, or unexpected expenses. However, they also come with risks, so it’s crucial to fully understand the terms and implications before obtaining one and to use the funds responsibly. Always consult with a financial advisor or mortgage professional to determine if a HELOC is suitable for your financial situation. A home equity line of credit is a revolving credit account in a second lien position secured by homeowners house. Here is an article on GCA Mortgage Group, Inc. about home equity lines of credit
https://www.gcamortgage.com/home-equity-line-of-credit/
gcamortgage.com
Home Equity Line of Credit versus Cash-Out Refinance
This guide covers the difference between home equity line of credit versus cash-out refinance mortgage loans. A home equity line of credit, often referred to
-
-
Dogo Argentino is a very unique and expensive dog. Those who want to adopt a Dogo Argentino should study up and research the breed before pulling the trigger. I will give you a bunch of information about the Dogo Argentino. The breed was created in Argentina by Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez in the 1920s. It was made from various kinds of dogs including the extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog, Great Dane, Boxer, Spanish Mastiff, Old English Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Great Pyrenees, Pointer and Irish Wolfhound. You can buy a Dogo Argentino from reputable breeders who specialize in them or you could check out some breed-specific rescue centers too! Some general dog rescues might have one every now and then also.
Socialization is important when raising a Dogo Argentino. Early socialization is key—consistent training from an early age should be provided as well as lots of exercise and mental stimulation too. Establish yourself as the pack leader through proper nutrition and regular vet check ups. Engage them in activities that challenge them both physically & mentally.
The temperament of this breed is loyal and protective over its family but also confident & courageous – though sometimes stubborn or independent with other animals if not properly socialized.
Size: Males: 24-26.5 inches (61-67 cm) tall; 88-100 lbs (40-45 kg) Females: 23.5-25.5 inches (60-65 cm) tall; 88-95 lbs (40-43 kg)
Personality: -Affectionate with family -Protective & alert -Smart & athletic -Determined
Male vs Female: -Males are usually bigger and more dominant. -Females may be more independent but easier to train.
Colors: Mostly white with small dark patches on head
Trainability: -Moderately easy to train but can be stubborn. -Require firm consistent training. – Respond well to positive reinforcement
Good with kids and small dogs: – They can be good with children if raised with them and properly socialized. – High prey drive, so caution is needed around small dogs and other pets.
Cost: -From a breeder: $1,500 to $5,000. -Adoption fees from rescues: $300 to $800.
Lifespan of a Dogo Argentiono ranges between 10 to 12 years on average.
Dogo Argentinos need high exercise (1-2 hours daily) and moderate grooming. Dogo Argentino may be banned or restricted in some areas due to breed-specific legislation, like other dogs, such as Pit Bulls, Cane Corso, Old English Mastiff, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers. It is not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their strong personalities and exercise needs. Keep in mind that each dog has its own unique personality so training should always be done carefully with positive reinforcement methods used consistently throughout the process of teaching anything new especially commands which could save lives later on when they are older but still young at heart like most big breeds!
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/SfUhVgUAYNaiQzmr/?mibextid=OTybqR
-
This discussion was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by
Gustan Cho.
facebook.com
Which is the world's most powerful dog? Top 12 Strongest Dog Bite Force Dogs with the world's 12 Highest Bite Force! Top 12 Strongest Dog Beat Force...
-
This discussion was modified 9 months, 3 weeks ago by
-
Where can you get financing for solar panels. Illinois state gives tax incentives for homeowners who have solar panels and a monthly check.
-
Heard there are beautiful places in Alabama. Just spoke with Ronda Butts and she was telling me about Birmingham Alabama. You get a lot of house for the money. Ronda just wrote a detailed article about high end homes in Alabama